Used Car Checklists

2023 Audi Q5: What to check before buying

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about this car. The 5 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.

Audi Q52023
Owner complaints
6
Recalls
2
Crashes reported
1
2 injuries
Reliability
Good
71/100 on Auto Reliability Index

Run the VIN before you go

A history report shows accidents, title brands, odometer readings, and open recalls for this 2023 Audi Q5. Ask the seller for the VIN; it is also on the dash at the base of the windshield.

Your inspection sheet

Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.

These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.

Reported on neighboring Q5 years

Nearby years usually share most parts, so their problems are worth checking on this car too.

2024 Q5

26 owner complaints
  • Electrical 7
  • Automatic emergency braking 6
  • Brakes 5

Worth adding to your 2023 checks

  • Check the VIN in federal recall records and get dealer proof that any open battery or electrical recall work is finished.
  • Make several left turns across traffic on the test drive and watch for sudden Pre Sense braking.
  • Run adaptive cruise with predictive control on the highway and watch for sudden drops in set speed.
Open the 2024 checklist

2022 Q5

39 owner complaints
  • Electrical 10
  • Engine 6
  • Transmission 4

Worth adding to your 2023 checks

  • Get dealer records showing all recall work completed, and confirm no recall repair is still open or waiting on parts.
  • Drive at highway speed for at least 10 minutes and watch for electrical system or drive system malfunction warnings.
  • Accelerate up an incline and at highway speed, feeling for shaking, jerking, or sudden loss of power.
Open the 2022 checklist

2025 Q5

15 owner complaints
  • Electrical 5
  • Brakes 2
  • Acceleration and cruise control 2

Worth adding to your 2023 checks

  • Drive on a two-lane highway past side roads and watch for false automatic braking.
  • Pass slower traffic with adaptive cruise on and note any sudden braking without a hazard.
  • Start the car cold and check the dash for driver-assist, brake, or coolant warnings.
Open the 2025 checklist

Which Q5 is it?

EPA figures for each version of the 2023 Audi Q5. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.

VersionDriveEPA rating
2.0L 4-cylHybridAWD25 mpg
2.0L 4-cylPlug-in hybridAWD400 mi range
  • The 2023 Audi Q5 was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
  • On the hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
  • Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Q5 that averages well under the EPA 25 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.

Check the odometer against these mileages

Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.

  • Liftgate sensor malfunctions

    0–2,000 miles

0 mi25k50k

Recalls to confirm (2)

Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.

  1. 25V294000EngineMay 2025

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Q5 Quattro and Q5 Sportback Quattro vehicles. The cylinder head cover screws may have been improperly tightened.

    Risk: The screws can loosen, allowing oil to leak and increasing the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the screws as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 15ZK.

  2. 22V753000EngineOct 2022

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.

    Risk: A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine failure causes an oil leak, it can increase the risk of a fire.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 13i4 (VW) and 13i5 (Audi).

Also looking at these instead of a Q5?

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